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41 Weeks to Kick-Off! 2010 Spirit in Cape Town

While entertaining some friends visiting from London, it seemed appropriate to take them to the see the new Green Point Stadium, currently under construction and due for completion in December of this year. The old stadium (or what’s left of it) is home to the Green Point Stadium Visitors Centre, where the 2010 Soccer Magic Tour takes place. If you have not been yet, I can thoroughly recommend it. Not just for the views of the new stadium, or the views of Green Point, the ocean and Table Mountain, but for a theatre experience with a difference.

We were treated to a 35 minute performance / one-man-show of the history of the Green Point Common (site of the stadium). Humerous, heartwarming and enlightening, whether you’re a local or a foreigner, an adult or a child. I’m not ashamed to admit that I was close to tears, had goose bumps and roared with laughter over the course of the show. I’m not a huge soccer fan and had thought I would be bored visiting the stadium, but our storyteller reeled us all in, while recounting Cape Town’s colourful and at times tumultuous history, all told with soccer at its heart. Huge congratulations and thanks to this talented performer.

Besides the show, the Visitors Centre has a photo exhibition depicting soccer in South Africa through the ages, as well as the construction of the new 68,000-seater stadium which will host 8 of the world cup matches (including 1 quarter-final and 1 semi-final). The presentation about the stadium was short and sweet, and answered any questions we might have had.

In the words of one of our UK friends – “This was about so much more than football. It’s the history and coming together of a nation.”

Daily Tours: – Now closed
Monday to Friday at 10h00, 12h00 and 14h00
Saturday at 10h00 and 12h00
Duration: 1 hour
R40 per adult, R20 per child, student or pensioner

Stefani is a self confessed bookworm, and to relax, she loves to curl up with a good book and get drawn into another world. Spending time with her family and friends is very important to her. She loves hosting dinner parties and is always cooking tasty meals and trying out new and wonderful recipes. Proudly South African, Stefani is always checking out great new places and fun things to do in the country for both foreigners and locals. She loves to explore the country and is probably planning her next trip right now. She has a love for dogs and enjoys taking her large 6 year old Rottweiler out for walks around the Cape.

For those that’re interested, here’s the itinerary of the 2010 Soccer Magic Tour:

1. Stadium Presentation
The 10-minute Stadium Presentation offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the construction of the new stadium and includes interesting Stadium facts on some of the technical and aesthetic aspects.

2. The Greensman
The experience kicks off with ‘The Greensman’, a mesmerising 35-minute theatre performance about the history of Green Point Common, which has played host to over 25 000 visitors since December 2007.

3. 2010 Stadium Virtual Tour
Step into the future on a roller-coaster ride through the virtual 2010 Stadium. The Game Plan Fly-Through is a specially commissioned virtual video that is as inspirational for architects and engineers as it is for soccer-crazy kids.

4. Viewing Deck
Climb the stairs to the 3rd-floor viewing deck overlooking the stadium construction site. An education officer will answer all your questions about the stadium and 2010.